Iran says its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only. It insists it is not trying to develop nuclear weapons, but many countries - as well as the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - are not convinced.

The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, days before the Islamic republic’s scheduled talks with Washington this weekend in Oman. The Treasury Department designated five

The negotiations come as Iran faces a series of significant setbacks, including military defeats, economic strain, and international pressure, bringing the country to a point of vulnerability after a tumultuous 18 months in the Middle East.